Anyone re-keyed their car?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Anyone re-keyed their car?
I want to re-key my car because the original keys are almost completly worn out and when I get copies made they usually don't work right. I can handle the ignition but I was wondering about the door locks. How hard are they to get to?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (markdtn)
I had new keys made by a locksmith from the tumbler codes. The locksmith just measured my old worn key and made a new one based on what he thought it should be. He hit it correct on the first try and all of my locks work like new. You have to find a locksmith that does a lot of cars. The guy that did mine was great.
[Modified by bluevetteman, 4:10 PM 10/28/2003]
[Modified by bluevetteman, 4:10 PM 10/28/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Swords Check/Saws Check/Clubs Check/Claws Check/Hatred Check/Anger Check/Murmaid Check/Murder Check
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (markdtn)
Not bad with the door panels off. Smaller hands would help.
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Levittown Pa
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (theandies)
Well my ignition key was different than the door so I had the locksmith redo the ignition switch to match the doors its eaiser than the doors. and the new key works great in the doors no problems. The door lock is pain in the aaaa.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (theandies)
Ya know that’s a really good idea for a 30-year-old car. That ignition switch could leave you stranded. Had mine done by a professional corvette shop while my window regulator was in for replacement and the mechanic didn’t even blink at the request. Can’t remember cost but wasn’t much money and locks now all work great. I bought mine as a set from Zip. Ignition, doors and storage compartment too.
Good item to use the pros. for. :D
Good item to use the pros. for. :D
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (cardo0)
Good item to use the pros. for. :D
My locks work fine now but my ignition switch is getting bad, Even with a copied key I can drive down the road and pull the key out of the ignition without turning the tumbler. I'm ordering the stuff now. Thanks guys and keep the comments/suggestion coming.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (cardo0)
I had a tumbler fall due to excessive wear in the ignition lock in my daily driver a few years back. I couldn't put my key into lock because of it. Fortunately, it happened in my driveway. Otherwise my car would have been following a tow truck home. I had to pull the steering wheel to get the lock cylinder out.
Not a bad idea to have the ignition lock gone through to replace those tumblers. If you're key's that worn, I'll bet they're worn too.
Not a bad idea to have the ignition lock gone through to replace those tumblers. If you're key's that worn, I'll bet they're worn too.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (theandies)
I was lucky enough to have my car re-keyed by the previous owner. Since I wrecked it though I need to have a lock cylinder re-keyed for the passenger door since my original disappeared somewhere.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (Sigforty)
I bought a complete new set when I painted my 71 two years ago so I could change the door locks while going back together. Yes they are a pain, but I don't see the ignition being any easier. Never overhauled a steering column.
For the door locks, small hands and a long pair of needle nose pliers will help alot. Oh, and a fair amount of patients.
For the door locks, small hands and a long pair of needle nose pliers will help alot. Oh, and a fair amount of patients.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (LemansBlue68)
I have fairly complete instructions on how to replace the steering column lock cylinder. They are posted at http://www.corvettefaq.com in the Steering section. You can download either the T&T or the standard (non-adjustable) steering column information. You will need Disassembly and Repair instructions #1 and the pics #1 for the information.
The function locking anti-theft steering column was designed to make stealing your car a bit more difficult. Unfortunately, by definition, this also makes it more difficult for a mechanic, locksmith, or owner to work on the car also.
Jim Shea
The function locking anti-theft steering column was designed to make stealing your car a bit more difficult. Unfortunately, by definition, this also makes it more difficult for a mechanic, locksmith, or owner to work on the car also.
Jim Shea
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Manchvegas NH
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (theandies)
Here is my weird setup:
I have one key that a locksmith did for me, based on the old worn out key - it works great. It is the square key and works on the driver door and ignition switch, but not in the passenger door.
Were Corvettes like other GM vehicles - round key for the doors and square for the ignition? If so, someone along the way had the door lock keyed to match the ignition so that they only had to carry one key.
I have one key that a locksmith did for me, based on the old worn out key - it works great. It is the square key and works on the driver door and ignition switch, but not in the passenger door.
Were Corvettes like other GM vehicles - round key for the doors and square for the ignition? If so, someone along the way had the door lock keyed to match the ignition so that they only had to carry one key.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
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From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (pra4sun)
I don't know, but the round key I have is for the alarm system and behind seat compartment locks. My square key opens the doors and operates the ignition.
This is on a 69, I have no idea if the door locks and ignition are original, but my ignition witch is badly worn, will no go to the accessory postion and my key warning buzzer doesn't work. So I think I need a new switch. I know a guy that has a locksmith shop, he told me that he could change and match the locks to a new ignition set pretty reasonably. I guess I'll drive by his shop and check out his prices.
This is on a 69, I have no idea if the door locks and ignition are original, but my ignition witch is badly worn, will no go to the accessory postion and my key warning buzzer doesn't work. So I think I need a new switch. I know a guy that has a locksmith shop, he told me that he could change and match the locks to a new ignition set pretty reasonably. I guess I'll drive by his shop and check out his prices.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (LAvetteman)
Pulling the steering column apart is fairly easy with the right tools. The only problem I had with mine was the plastic gear inside the column was broke, and it presented a problem when I tried to remove the lock cylinder.
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Levittown Pa
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (pra4sun)
It depends on the year but for a 1971 the keys is square head and the same key for door locks and ignition key, alarm key is round head
this I know for sure now the compartment key I beleive was the round key also.
this I know for sure now the compartment key I beleive was the round key also.
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Manchvegas NH
Re: Anyone re-keyed their car? (Pat71vette)
Weel, that's cool news for me. Now, I have to figure out why the key won't work in the passenger door. Maybe get that lock re-keyed.
My round key is a goner though. I have the factory alarm option, it would be funny to get a key for it and try it out.
[Modified by pra4sun, 6:46 PM 11/5/2003]
My round key is a goner though. I have the factory alarm option, it would be funny to get a key for it and try it out.
[Modified by pra4sun, 6:46 PM 11/5/2003]
